Babe Ruth Becomes First Player to Hit 500 Home Runs

U.S. #2046

Hitting the first pitch he saw, Babe Ruth made history on August 11, 1929, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 500 home runs.

Babe Ruth was a man of huge achievements. He began his baseball career as a left-handed pitcher, and later moved to the outfield. Babe did not achieve legendary status because of his talents in the field, though. He won America’s heart by swatting dramatic home runs and with his larger-than-life style.

By August 1929, he had racked up an unprecedented 499 home runs. Prior to his game at Cleveland’s League Park, Babe approached the field’s police chief. He told the chief he would hit his 500th home run that day and wanted to keep the ball. Continue reading →

Birth of the Smithsonian Institution

U.S. #943

After a decade of debates, the Smithsonian Institution was established on August 10, 1846.

The story of the Smithsonian begins with British scientist James Smithson, who died in 1829. His will stated that if his nephew died without heirs, his estate should go to the U.S. to create “the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.”

The U.S. government was notified of this bequest following the death of his nephew in 1835. Senators debated whether they had the authority to create such an institution, but eventually ruled in favor. Representatives traveled to England to appear before the British court and returned to America in 1838 with about $500,000 for the Smithsonian. Continue reading →

Smokey Bear Created to Join the War Effort

U.S. #2096

On August 9, 1944, the U.S. Forest Service created Smokey Bear to encourage people to prevent forest fires.

Though forest fires had long been an issue, America’s involvement in World War II made fighting these fires more difficult. Most able-bodied men were fighting overseas, so there weren’t enough young men to fight fires. In 1942 the Forest Service used Disney characters from the film Bambi on colorful posters to raise awareness on how to prevent forest fires. But those characters could only be used for a year, so the forest service needed their own mascot.

In 1944 they created Smokey Bear, named after New York City firefighter “Smokey” Joe Martin. The first poster was designed by Albert Staehle and pictured Smokey pouring a bucket of water on a campfire with the message “Smokey says – Care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires!” Smokey quickly became a household name, with toy companies producing teddy bears and a variety of posters hanging across the country. Continue reading →

Graf Zeppelin Begins Round-the-World Journey from New Jersey

U.S. #C13

On August 8, 1929, the Graf Zeppelin departed the airfield in Lakehurst, New Jersey, to return 12 days later.

The first attempt to fly the zeppelin around the globe began on May 14 of that year. Engine troubles forced the Graf to land in France, after which it was returned to Germany. Mail that was carried aboard this initial flight received a note stating “Beförderung verzögert wegen Abbruchs der 1. Ameriksfaht.” (“Delivery delayed due to cancellation of the 1st America trip”). This is sometimes called the “Interrupted America Flight.” Continue reading →

George Washington Creates Forerunner of Purple Heart

U.S. #3784//4704 – 2003-12 Purple Heart stamps

On August 7, 1782, George Washington ordered the creation of the Badge of Military Merit to be awarded for bravery in battle.

“Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the purple heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countryman,” wrote Washington in 1782, in the order that established the Badge of Military Merit. Three soldiers are known to have received the award directly from Washington, although there may be more. The names were recorded in the Book of Merit, which has since been lost.

Two Connecticut men, Elijah Churchill and Daniel Bissell, received the award. Churchill led two raids against forts on Long Island, while Bissell was a spy disguised as a deserter. He operated behind enemy lines and provided Washington with key information. The third was Daniel Brown, who in the final battle at Yorktown led an attack over a thicket of sharpened spikes against a fortified position, capturing the fort in minutes. British General Cornwallis surrendered soon afterwards. Continue reading →

American Victory at Oriskany

U.S. #1722 – The site of the battle, in Oriskany, New York, is just 25 miles from Mystic’s home in Camden!

In the summer of 1777, British troops under Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger traveled down New York’s Mohawk River Valley. When they encountered the American-held Fort Stanwix on August 2 the British began a 20-day siege.

Militia General Nicholas Herkimer (pictured seated on this stamp) was in the area and marched toward the fort to provide relief. However, St. Leger learned of Herkimer’s movements and planned a surprise attack. On the morning of August 6, Herkimer led his men through a nearby valley (in present-day Oriskany) where they were ambushed by a band of Loyalists and British-allied Indians. Early in the fighting, Herkimer was struck by a musketball that shattered his leg. His men carried him to a nearby beech tree and urged him to be removed from the battlefield. But Herkimer insisted “I will face the enemy” and sat calmy under the tree smoking his pipe, giving orders, and delivering words of encouragement. Continue reading →